Bits 'n' Pieces

Utilities Commission Approves Budget

The Long Beach Board of Utilities Commissioners adopted the Utilities Department budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) on June 4. The $439.1 million budget funds continued capital improvements for water, gas and sewer infrastructure, supports efforts on increasing local groundwater supply, and covers expenses for emergency repairs and scheduled maintenance for 4,000 miles of main and lateral water, sewer, and natural gas pipelines.

The department’s FY27 budget encompasses a $198.5 million Water Fund, $178.2 million Gas Fund, and $62.4 million Sewer Fund that supports critical infrastructure investment, maintenance and emergency repairs, and daily customer services from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027.

The approved FY27 budget includes rate increases for residential and business customers across all three utilities. The combined impact of all three utility rate adjustments is estimated to increase the average residential bill by $6.33 per month.

The commissioners approved for City Council consideration, a 6% increase for water rates and an 8% increase for sewer rates effective Oct. 1, 2026. The average monthly water bill for a single-family residence will increase by approximately $4.64 per month. The average sewer bill for a single-family residence will increase by approximately $1.10 per month.

Pursuant to Proposition 218, water and sewer account holders may protest the proposed rate increases via e-mail, mail, and in-person at or before the Proposition 218 hearing on Aug. 27, 2026. Notifications will be sent to customers 45 days before the hearing date. To view more information on Long Beach Utilities’ Proposition 218 hearing process, please visit LBUtilities.org/Budget.

Additionally, the commission recommended, pending City Council approval, a 2% increase in residential volumetric natural gas rates effective Oct. 1, 2026. For the average residential bill, this translates to an estimated monthly increase of $0.59.

For non-residential gas customers, including small, standard and large commercial and industrial customers, transportation and exchange of natural gas service, rate increases for specific commercial and industrial rate classes are proposed and will be up for City Council consideration in fall 2026. For a detailed list of proposed natural gas rate schedules, please visit LBUtilities.org/Budget.

The Long Beach Utilities Department held three separate budget planning sessions in-person on May 14, May 28 and June 4, 2026. Bill assistance is available for qualified account holders, based on income level. Utility bill assistance in California is based on federal poverty levels

$235,000 Community Non-Profit Grants

Dignity Health - St. Mary Medical Center (SMMC) announced the distribution of more than $235,000 in Community Health Improvement Grants to four impactful local organizations. These grants underscore SMMC’s commitment to fostering health and well-being within the Long Beach community.

“For over a century now, our mission extends beyond the walls of our hospital, actively investing in organizations that are making a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors,” said Carolyn Caldwell, hospital president. “These partnerships are vital in addressing critical health needs and building a healthier, more vibrant Long Beach for everyone.”

The grants were awarded to four non-profit organizations: Apostle House Long Beach Rescue Mission, Century Villages at Cabrillo, Heart of Ida and Long Beach BLAST.

These organizations were selected for their vital work. The grants are awarded through Dignity Health’s Community Health Improvement Grants program, which supports non-profit organizations dedicated to building healthier communities by improving health and living conditions.

Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center congratulates all grant recipients and looks forward to the continued positive impact these organizations will have on the community.

VA Leaders Appointed

VA Long Beach announced the permanent appointments of Dr. Charmaine Mainor, DNP, RN, as associate director for Patient Care Services / Nurse Executive; Lina Salty, MD, as deputy chief of staff; and Dr. Daniel McGrath, DNP, as deputy associate director, Patient Care Services / Deputy Nurse Executive. The three appointments were effective June 14.

“I am honored to work with such a talented leadership team at VA Long Beach and am pleased to announce that Drs. Mainor, Salty and McGrath will assume their acting roles in a permanent capacity,” said VA Long Beach Medical Center Director Walt C. Dannenberg. “Their deep experience and tireless dedication to providing care of the highest quality to Veterans helps advance our journey to becoming the #1 health care system in the nation.”

$54M Awarded to Small Business Enterprises

A Port of Long Beach program to broaden access to hundreds of millions of dollars in competitive contracts it awards each year continues to be extraordinarily successful.

Last fiscal year, $54.4 million, or almost 45% of port funds spent on eligible contracts through the port’s award-winning Small Business Enterprise Program, went to purchase needed services and materials from companies defined as “small business enterprises” and “very small business enterprises.” Port staff participated in more than 40 outreach events throughout the year to boost participation in the program.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are more than 36 million small businesses in the United States, which account for 99.9% of all businesses nationwide. The goal set for small business enterprise participation at the port is 27%, one of the highest when compared to other California ports and local municipal agencies. The port’s 44.6% utilization in the 2025 fiscal year is the third highest since the SBE/VSBE program was founded in 2004.

“Our vision to double our cargo to 20 million containers annually by 2050 and build the Port of the Future is going to take a big team,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “We want to make sure smaller businesses – the backbone of the U.S. economy – are equipped with the knowledge and ability to compete and win port-related construction and professional services contract opportunities.”

“We believe in maximizing the benefits for the public we serve,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “Ensuring more of our business community has access to the economic opportunities associated with the port is important because we need their skills to succeed, and we are very proud of these results and what they say.”

The thresholds of annual receipts and number of employees for classification as a small business vary widely by industry. The very small business eligibility is equivalent to the state of California’s microbusiness designation – businesses with $5 million or less in annual gross sales, averaged over the last three fiscal years, or manufacturers with 25 or fewer employees.

Aspiring contractors for the port apply for posted contracts on the port’s “Planet Bids” online system, where the business owners can pre-register their companies and check back for posted bids. Go to polb.com/businessopportunities and click on “Access the POLB Vendor Portal.”

For those interested in seeing the complete SBE utilization report for fiscal year 2025, please go to polb.com/sbe.

Olympic-Style Torch Run

On Saturday, June 13, hundreds of children with cancer and serious blood disorders, along with survivors and families honoring loved ones, participated in the 39th annual Champions Run for Life “Torch Run.” The event raised funds to support expanded treatment programs and research at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

Participants triumphantly carried an Olympic-style torch, a symbol of hope for a cure, during an inspiring relay around Long Beach’s iconic Lions Lighthouse for Sight at Shoreline Aquatic Park. Sponsors, community supporters and volunteers lined the waterfront, cheering as each child, survivor and family were announced. Whether running, walking or wheeling along the course, participants were met with waves of applause, creating a heartwarming atmosphere of camaraderie and hope.

“We are here at our third Champions Run for Life ‘Torch Run’ celebrating my 6-year-old daughter, Kataleya, who is two years in remission from Ewing sarcoma,” said Ashley Suazo. “Kataleya just graduated kindergarten and is heading to first grade. She’s healthy, she gets to be with her friends, and that is such a blessing. We are so thankful to the physicians at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital for her healing, and for hosting events like this to honor children in treatment, in remission and those we have lost.”

The day highlighted countless personal milestones – from former patients celebrating 17 years in remission to current patients marking treatment progress, to families honoring loved ones. Each participant led their team of supporters proudly, waving posters and banners, with many dressed in vibrant attire. Following the relay, families gathered for a festive picnic and carnival by the ocean.

“At the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, we celebrate our champions every day, but this event allows us to come together with families and care teams in a truly special way,” said Annie Santos, program director, Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “Champions Run for Life ‘Torch Run’ is our signature fundraising event, and every participant helps provide critical support for our patient programs and family-centered care.”

The Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital provides comprehensive, compassionate care for children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other serious blood disorders.

SMMC Agreement Renewed with L.A. Care

Dignity Health announced the renewal of its comprehensive agreement with LA Care Health Plan. This partnership extends across all L.A. Care products, including Medi-Cal, Covered California and Medicare Advantage plans. This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring broad access to quality healthcare for the communities we serve.

The renewed, two-year agreement, ensures continuous in-network coverage for L.A. Care-insured members across Dignity Health’s full spectrum of hospitals, services and providers in Southern California. This continuity of care is paramount, especially for vulnerable populations.

The coverage includes all six Dignity Health Southern California hospitals: California Hospital Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, St. Bernardine Medical Center and St. Mary Medical Center.

“From the beginning, our goal in working with LA Care has always been to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our patients today and in the future. We are committed to providing our community with the high-quality care and services they’ve come to know and trust at Dignity Health,” according to a hospital news release.

“We appreciate the trust patients have placed in our physicians, nurses and entire care team. We look forward to continuing to serve our patients and neighbors for generations to come,” it stated.

EDO Receives $2.1M for Youth Employment

The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) has been awarded $2.1 million in grant funding from the California Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement, California Volunteers. The funding will expand paid youth employment and service opportunities through the Long Beach Youth Service Corps, which encompasses an array of programs that connect young people with meaningful work experience, career exploration, mentorship and civic engagement.

The Long Beach Youth Service Corps brings together several paid, service-oriented youth employment programs for young people ages 16 to 30. Programs supported through this effort include the Long Beach Fire Corps Program, Urban Planning and Design Internship Program, Long Beach Public Service Corps and the Port of Long Beach High School Internship Program. Together, these programs create structured pathways for youth and young adults to explore public service careers, build workplace skills and contribute to the Long Beach community.

Youth employment opportunities are integral to the city’s 2030 Strategic Vision goal of fostering a prepared and inclusive workforce and support the city’s Grow Long Beach Economic Blueprint objectives of establishing accessible pathways into public sector jobs and leading industries. Additionally, Long Beach Youth Jobs Corps programs contribute to the S.T.R.O.N.G. Beach: Summer of Opportunity Initiative.

Previous grant awards from the California Volunteers, Office of the Governor have supported the placement of more than 400 youth in paid work experience opportunities in Long Beach. Numerous program alumni have secured full-time roles with the city or regional agencies, while others have leveraged their experience to join national advisory boards, secure scholarships and pursue related graduate studies.

To learn more about youth employment programs and services, visit the department’s website at longbeach.gov/youthservices or contact the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at (562) 570-4700.